Perez swerved questions relating Saints' decision not to accept the ruling of the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO), and instead focussed on the performance of his young match-winner.

"I think everyone can see Adam Lallana this season and every single minute he is on the pitch he tries to do his best and is always doing great, great things," he said.

"It's no surprise for me when Adam Lallana on the pitch is doing things and goals like he did.

"I think it (the Clattenburg situation) hasn't affected him. We are professionals.

"When you are in this business you have to be aware of everything and you have to stay away from the pressure of some things around football and just focus on being fit and being mentally ready to play.

"He played like the other players of the squad with the best mentality at the end of a tough period where it's difficult to keep a strong mentality because fatigue is not only physical but also mental - and it was important for us to be in the next round."

Championship Burnley were always in the game at St Mary's and on another day could have forced a replay.

"It was a strange game but you know in the cup game everything is possible because the teams are playing without pressure," Perez added.

"Sometimes one of the sides is clinical and the other not so much and I think that was the case.

"The most important thing is stay in the next round, especially when you play a cup game at the end of a tough period like Christmas was for us - and I'm just happy for that."